Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for pharmaceutical containers, comprising means for feeding containers into and means for discharging containers from the cleaning apparatus, a transport apparatus for transporting containers within the cleaning apparatus, at least one holder for holding containers during a cleaning process, and one or more cleaning stations. Each holder holds a container such that a longitudinal axis of the container extends substantially in a vertical direction. Each cleaning station comprises at least one substantially cylindrically formed annular nozzle configured to completely surround a container during the cleaning process. Each cleaning station is provided on its inner side with a first row of outlet openings disposed circumferentially in a first vertical position, and is configured to discharge a cleaning medium substantially identically inwardly and downwardly at an angle to a horizontal axis and at an angle to a radial direction to form a cyclone of cleaning medium.

Abstract: A method for cleaning primary packaging means in pharmaceutical filling and/or packaging installations. The method includes a step of treating at least one surface of the primary packaging by means of blasting with carbon dioxide (CO2) snow, a step of using a gas flow for the suction extraction of substances cleaned off from the surface, and a step of filtering the gas flow comprising the substances contained in the cleaned-off substances. A related system includes a supply device for supplying liquid CO2 and compressed air to at least one nozzle designed to generate solid particles by means of expanding the liquid CO2 to be directed onto a surface to be treated, a holding device for primary packaging, a substance removal device to remove substances cleaned from at least one surface by means of a gas flow; and a filter device for the gas flow comprising the cleaned substances.